WEST End superstar Gregor Stewart has swapped the stage for the big screen after bagging himself a role in the sequel to Mamma Mia!

The Scots actor can’t say too much about the upcoming summer smash at the moment, but told the Evening Times it was an absolute blast to be a part of.

He said: “It’s a prequel and a sequel to Mamma Mia!, with the original cast and Cher is also in the film.

“I had about five rounds of auditions. I play one of the Greek villagers and it was honestly one of the best jobs and experiences of my career.

“The cast were amazing. There were about 50 of us filming in Croatia and we all became really close. It was so surreal to be up close and working alongside some of Hollywood’s A-listers. I even managed to make a personalised birthday message with Julie Walters for my gran’s 80th.

“It just felt like a dream from start to finish and I’m not embarrassed to say I got a bit emotional when it was all over.

“Silly things like the sets just blew me away. One part of the film was set at a hotel and it was built from scratch just for the film. It was one of the most beautiful buildings I had ever seen and it would all be demolished just weeks after filming.

“I cannot wait to see myself on the big screen but the nature of films are some scenes might not even make the film, but I’m sure I’ll be in there somewhere. Just don’t blink when you watch it.”

Gregor, a former Alva Academy pupil, found his passion for performing after joining Clackmannanshire-based stage school Forefront in the late 90’s.

Since graduating from Arts Educational in London, he has stepped out on stage as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Fiyero in Wicked, Sam in Ghost, and the dad of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

Gregor said: “The last couple of years have been tough. I felt I was on a roll since graduating Arts Educational in 2008 and even though I had understudied leads in lots of shows, been on the West End and also done a few commercials, it doesn’t really matter. You are soon back auditioning for the next show or job and it’s tough.

“If anyone wants to attempt this as a career you have to have the thickest skin and be prepared that in order to pay rent and bills you’re going to have to work behind bars and wait tables and work long hours to pay your way. It’s not easy.

“A couple of years ago I was ready to quit and think about another career path – now thankfully I’m glad I didn’t and I have to thank my mum for that. She kept pushing me and believing in me, and I will always be grateful for that.”

Despite a few road bumps, Gregor has had a fantastic 2017.

He started off as a host and one of the lead singers at a top-end restaurant in Mayfair called Park Chinois. Weeks after he finished up there, he started rehearsals for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and following that he was confirmed as Munkustrap in the touring show of Cats.

Gregor said: “It’s been the best year.

“My favourite roles I’ve played have been Sam in Ghost and Fiyero in Wicked, but since I was 15 I wanted to be part of Cats and now that I’m the lead it really is a dream come true.

“So in 2018 I’ll be touring Cats in Asia as the lead. Cats is based on a book of poems by T.S. Elliot and Munkustrap is the narrator of the musical.

“It’s the most demanding part I’ve ever played both in dance and singing. He is never off the stage; it’s physically demanding and mentally challenging because you have to be a cat throughout the whole show. If ever you are out of character, it loses the energy so you have to be 100 per cent committed from start to finish.

“After Hong Kong we tour mainland China. We will visit Shanghai and Beijing, so it’s going to be such an amazing experience and a massive culture shock I’ve heard, but I’m excited to see places I would probably have never come across.”

Despite touring the world and living in London, Gregor still misses his home country.

He added: “London’s amazing. It’s where I’ve lived since 2005 and I can’t think of a more exciting place to live. But it’s not Scotland.

“I miss my family, I miss the countryside of Clackmannanshire, I miss the people, but more importantly I miss the square sausage and tattie scones. It’s the first thing I eat when I wake up in Scotland.”

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again will be released in July.

Keep up-to-date with Gregor’s adventures on Twitter @Gregor_Stewart and on Instagram @Gregor_StewartLDN.